Art & Grind

Art & Grind sits somewhere between a proper gallery and a working creative space - the kind of place where you might catch artists actually making things rather than just viewing finished work behind glass. It's a refreshing approach if you're tired of the traditional white-box gallery experience.

The setup combines contemporary art with a cafe, which means you can spend a couple of hours browsing without feeling obligated to buy a £8 coffee afterwards. It works well for mixed-ability groups - those who want to stand and contemplate can do so, while others grab a drink and chat. Kids won't be bored stiff, though it's not specifically geared toward them either.

Located in Surrey's south east, it's within striking distance of several holiday parks - Chantry Wood Campsite is barely a mile and a half away, making it an easy afternoon outing if you're based nearby. Wyldecrest Surrey Hills and Chapel Farm are both under four miles, so accessible for campers wanting to do something other than sit on site.

Bring cash if you're planning to buy anything. Opening hours and admission fees aren't well documented online, so ring ahead before you make the drive. Worth a detour if you're already in the area, particularly if you're someone who likes to see artists' studios and smaller independent spaces rather than the National Gallery circuit. Give yourself two hours maximum - more if you're genuinely keen on what they're showing.